By State Representative Tom Graves (R-Ranger)

We’ve watched in amazement over the last 12 months as our national leaders have grappled in the name of “hope” with the economic challenges that face our country.  Many attempts have been made to encourage job creation, yet none have worked.  Whether it’s called a bailout, buyout, stimulus, cash for clunkers or now the jobs bill, it’s all the same.  It is a package of more government - pork projects coupled with winners and losers wrapped in different gift paper. There is only one way to promote sustainable job creation, and that’s through the expansion of the private sector.  And there is only one jobs bill that has been recognized nationally as doing such, and that’s the JOBS Act of 2010, here in Georgia.

Our state’s economy is driven by hard work and the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals - individuals who had an idea and took action.  Starting a business is no easy task.  It takes risk. It takes investment.  It takes time for the operation to turn a profit.   And most importantly, it takes hard work, sacrifice, perseverance, and a firm commitment to making that dream a reality.  All too often, though, it never happens because the individual is unable to clear the high hurdles, red tape, and taxes that stand before them when starting the journey. 

The National Federation of Independent Business estimates that many entrepreneurs never turn their dream of starting a lawn service, hardware store, restaurant or a hair salon into reality because of the initial barriers, fees and start-up costs associated with creating a business.

With the introduction of the Jobs, Opportunity and Business Success Act of 2010, members of the Georgia General Assembly have declared that Georgia is open for business and that 2010 will be the “Year for Georgia Entrepreneurs.”

The JOBS Act of 2010, which I authored and introduced with several of my House and Senate colleagues, consists of several components and is designed to stimulate the state’s economy.  The Act provides tax credits, cuts and incentives to create, expand and attract new businesses in Georgia. The various components take on the regulation and taxation barriers that stand in the way of aspiring small businesses.

Members of the 9th District Legislative Caucus believe the first check written from a new business should be for materials, rent, payroll or any other expense, but not to the state of Georgia.  One component of The JOBS Act of 2010 removes one of the hurdles that keep many entrepreneurs from chasing their dream, by waiving the start up fees they must pay in order to start their business.

Fostering an environment that encourages the creation of small business will foster job growth, wealth, spending and the demand for goods.

If the dream or idea stays in an entrepreneur’s mind or gathers dust in a desk drawer, the state wouldn’t have received the fee anyhow, or collected sales tax on the products sold or payroll taxes from the hiring of new employees. 

It’s a simple and proven concept that will work and help put Georgians back to work.